Once a research design is chosen, it is important to follow systematic procedures to collect relevant and effective data according to clear selection criteria to ensure a successful collection. The means of data collection must be reliable, consistent, and accurate depending on whether the research is authentic or heuristic, analytic or deductive. Examples of qualitative data collection include open observations, record reviews, diaries, interviews, verbal reporting, questionnaires, and tests. The data collection instruments must suit the research goal whenever possible.

1. Humberto Coral Zavaleta
Data and Data Collection Procedures
Once we have decided what design our research is going to be based on, it is
imperative that we continue following the systematic procedure and start working
data collection. We also have to decide how we are going to collect data, after
having decided what to collect of course. In addition, it is important to mention that
we are going to collect data according to how relevant it can be in the research as
well as its effectiveness. We have to be aware of all the possible difficulties that
there may be throughout the data collection process. So, in order for us to
successfully collect proper data, we’ve got to make sure we already have clear
criteria for selection. For this reason, when conducting a research, it’s necessary
that we take into consideration whether it’s authentic or heuristic, analytic or
deductive, so that we can get our research to hold completely accurate data. For
example in qualitative research, we can collect data through open observations,
record reviews, diaries, and interviews, verbal reporting, questionnaires, tests.
Then whatever the means by which we will collect data, we have to assure it is
reliable, consistent, and accurate and we can trust the info. Finally, the instruments
to collect data must suit the research goal. However, it is not always going to fit to
the letter and when that happens we can to use a ready-made instrument even
though it does not match the research needs.